Servo Boxing Robots showcased the next-generation AKD PDMM programmable servo drive, which provides higher throughput and greater machine precision. Kollmorgen also featured a large-scale Servo Tennis video game where participants can rally for the highest score while learning about AKM servomotors, AKD servo drives, and R2A linear actuators. Also displayed were the VT Bolt (Virginia Tech) electric motorcycle and the Segway PT, which both contain Kollmorgen technology.

Safe motion capabilities

Kollmorgen Safety Modules (KSM) offer a smart and expandable platform for machine builders to quickly and seamlessly integrate safe motion as part of functional safety-certified solutions, according to Kollmorgen.

“Safe Motion functionality allows machines to run in a safe manner when an operator is in the workspace, without stopping the machine by STO and causing unnecessary downtime,” explained Karl Pickan, a Kollmorgen safety certified expert. KSM combines the functionality of a safety PLC (programmable logic controller) with safe motion functions into one compact system with Kollmorgen AKD drives and automation controllers. Using the modules simplifies integration of newer safe motion and sensor equipment. KSM Safety Controllers are TÜV certified for machines that require ISO 13849 PLe and IEC 61508 SIL3 level functionality.

KSM is capable of 15 safe motion functions, including safe torque off (STO), safe stops (SSX), safe limited speed (SLS), safe limited position (SLP), and safe brake control (SBC), among others. The KSM functional safety system can simultaneously monitor up to 12 axes in one system. Each module can safely monitor standard feedback devices, such as resolvers, as well as single- and multi-turn versions of EnDat (Heidenhain), BiSS (open source sensor/actuator interface introduced by iC-Haus), and Hiperface (Sick motor feedback system) devices.

KSM is designed to operate with Kollmorgen’s motors and transmission (such as gearing and actuation), servo- and inverter drives, and machine- and motion controllers. KSM can connect seamlessly and easily to EtherCAT, Profinet, and CANopen devices, allowing a general PLC or automation controller to connect into the safety system as well.

A wide range of KSM I/O expansion modules are available to simply and quickly build the right functional safety subsystems for any machine. Up to 200 safe inputs and outputs are possible on one module.

Kollmorgen offers machine builders a complete functional safety system for servo motion when paired with the Kollmorgen AKD servo drives and Kollmorgen Automation Suite machine controls, the company said.

“We have taken the guesswork out of integrating a motion system with certified motion-based safety functions. You can quickly realize the productivity-gain potential of functional safety with ease and confidence,” said Reid Hunt, Kollmorgen product manager.

Kollmorgen introduced new stainless steel AKMH Servomotors. The robust hygienic design can maximize machine productivity and ensure food-safety compliance. The new line of robust stainless steel AKMH servomotors is based on the AKM series motors. Designed specifically to address the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), these IP69K rated synchronous servomotors feature a hygienic housing designed to meet EHEDG, NSF, BISSC, and 3A machinery guidelines.

The AKMH Servomotor is constructed with materials to provide long-life and trouble-free operation, even with daily exposure to chemicals and high-pressure washdowns. The AKMH requires no additional protection and can be sanitized without covering it or removing it from the machine. Kollmorgen’s Pack Expo washdown IP69K demo tank will feature the new AKMH stainless steel servomotors running real-time in a simulated environment of moving water. With the new AKMH, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can design and build more reliable and productive machines that are easier and faster to clean, thus minimizing unscheduled downtime for end users.

Kollmorgen provides motion systems and components for machine builders globally, with more than 70 years of motion control design and application expertise, the company said.